Part 1, Chapters Construction- Exterior, pp 52-77 Summary

In Construction, Von Abt is back at the house, overseeing the foremen working on the site. He insists that they will not be building a house for stability. He wants to build a house that will float on air. Von Abt goes to visit the Liesel and Viktor. Liesel introduces him to Ottilie, the new baby and they talk about furnishings for the house. When it comes time for Ottilie to feed, Liesel insists that Von Abt stay and watch her. Liesel's body has changed with her pregnancy, making her fuller and more womanly. Von Abt notices. Although Liesel and Viktor are both nonreligious, they decide to have the baby baptized to make Liesel's mother happy. Liesel insists that Hana should be the godmother, while Viktor protests. He does not want "that woman...